Work Text:
November 9, 20XX
A great man once said: “if you can’t solve a problem, eat a lollipop; if the problem still can’t be resolved, eat a second lollipop.” Well, at least that’s what Chief Zhao told me the other day. I’m not sure just how helpful that advice is, but if ever I’m faced with another ghost or a person with superpowers, I guess I can try one of his lollipops (although Chu ge told me not to believe everything that the Chief says; he said that, most of the time, Chief Zhao’s ‘advice’ is useless anyway). I’ve always thought that Chief Zhao is very wise, but sometimes it’s hard to tell if he’s joking or being serious. Regardless, he’s a very kind person, and even Chu ge likes him a lot (even though he doesn’t like to show it).
Guo Chang Cheng
November 13, 20XX
Today, Professor Shen came to visit and brought a whole briefcase full of bioengineering papers. He wanted to teach me how molecules and particles act in nature, but it was all very complicated to understand. Professor Shen is a very smart person, and I admire him a lot, but I don’t think I could ever be like him. I was never the greatest student in school, but Chief Zhao said that you don’t need to be school-smart to be intelligent. He said I could just follow in his footsteps instead and maybe, one day, I could become a section chief too. I know Professor Shen had my best interests at heart, but I think I’ll keep following what Chief Zhao says for now.
Guo Chang Cheng
December 16, 20XX
Chu ge invited me to his home today because he said I “shouldn’t be alone all the time.” It was really nice of him to invite me, but in all honesty, it was extremely scary in his house. Even though I know Chu ge is a nice person, I wish he would turn on the lights sometimes and decorate with a colour other than black. In fact, I don’t think there were many things in his house, but I can’t be sure because it was so dark! Still, Chu ge told me to stop snivelling and come spend more time with him. He even made an effort to cook a meal for us (even though Chu ge knows nothing about cooking). I said that next time, I would prepare something as a thank you. I’m so happy I met Chu ge and the other SID members; everyone is so kind and caring, and they accepted me and all my flaws without a word. I’m very grateful for them and I hope that they will continue to live happily and safely.
Guo Chang Cheng
Hello!
I found this journal (hi, Xiao Guo!) and thought I’d leave a message (because why not?), so here goes: Xiao Guo, don’t forget to clean up the boss’ office tomorrow and to pick up lunch for everyone. Oh and, the boss is going to need a new potted plant in his office. The other one died because of, erm, reasons . Also, thank you for your hard work. Old Zhao doesn’t say things like that, but he definitely thinks it (trust me, I’ve known him for a very long time ). Take care!
Da Qing
December 22, 20XX
I see that Da Qing found my journal… then again, it’s not exactly hidden since I always leave it on the conference table. Anyway, I took care of Chief Zhao’s office today and put his things in order (surprisingly, he is a very messy person—but they say that being messy means that you have a high level of intelligence and are very creative. That’s definitely true for Chief Zhao!). Wang jiejie helped me and showed me exactly how the chief likes to have his things. I’m really grateful for jiejie’s help and patience—I’m not a very fast learner. She is so kind and pretty, no wonder everyone loves her! I hope I can become as helpful as Wang jiejie and help the team even more. All of the SID members are really good role models, and I wish my uncle could see that too. I hope he doesn’t force me to leave… I really like working here.
Guo Chang Cheng
January 8, 20XX
The Chief’s new plant finally arrived today (everything was slowed down because of the holidays), and the deputy chief snatched it right out of my hands as soon as he saw it! I guess he really needed it. Also, Professor Shen brought breakfast for everyone this morning, so I had fancy pastries and coffee thanks to him. Being a professor has its perks, I guess! He said that he usually eats on campus in the morning, but the university is still closed right now so he’s been spending more and more time with us at SID instead. I really like it when he comes to visit because he always has something to share with us. Chief Zhao is usually grumbly in the morning, but when Professor Shen comes around, his mood improves instantly. It’s really nice to see them interacting in the office. Chu ge said that I shouldn’t stare at them so much because I’m “too young” (whatever that means), but I can’t help wanting to be around them. They are both so kind to me. I hope I can be at least half as good as they are.
Guo Chang Cheng
January 18, 20XX
Dearest Guo Chang Cheng,
I did not mean to pry, but I found this journal lying around and curiosity got the best of me. Thank you for your kind words and observations; I am very glad to hear that you appreciate your colleagues and admire the Chief and myself. My offer to teach you bioengineering still stands. Should you ever wish to enter the university, I have full confidence that you would be a wonderful student. Furthermore, I want to make sure that you understand that you do not need to be anyone else other than yourself. You are a wonderful person with a very loving heart, and the Chief and I would be more than happy to have a fraction of your generosity and patience. I, for one, truly admire your hard work and dedication to the team, and I hope that you understand that you are a valued member of this office. If ever you need to talk, please feel free to come and see me whenever you wish. My office at the university is no. 345-E. All the best,
Shen Wei
January 27, 20XX
I didn’t expect Professor Shen to read my entries! Now I feel so embarrassed… his handwriting is so beautiful; it makes me want to practice mine. Anyway, I was really touched by what he wrote, and I’m happy he invited me to the university. Maybe when I get a bit of time off, I’ll go visit him with Chief Zhao.
Professor Shen, if you read this again: thank you!!
Guo Chang Cheng
February 11, 20XX
Today I asked Chief Zhao for a day off to visit my parents’ grave. He said I could take all the time I needed, but I know I shouldn’t be absent from work for too long, so I’ll go back tomorrow as usual.
Mom and Dad are doing well. I swept the grave and replaced the flowers for them, and even brought some of their favourite snacks. I told Dad that I’m very happy with my new job and that everyone has been very nice. I told them not to worry for me because there are people in my life now that are really important to me and I feel blessed to have met them. I want them to know that, when things become difficult, or whenever I feel sad, my friends cheer me up, so I want my parents to feel at ease. I hope Mom and Dad can continue to watch over me from above. I will be the best son I can so that they won’t be ashamed of me when we meet again.
Mom, Dad: your son is doing his best to become a good person!
Guo Chang Cheng
February 12, 20XX
Hey kid,
Old Zhao told me you went to see your parents yesterday. Why didn’t you tell me, you dumbass ? I would have gone with you. You know that I lost my brother a long time ago, so I understand what it’s like. In any case, don’t you dare pull another stunt like that. Stop beating yourself up all the time; it’s really annoying. Next time, I’m going with you whether you like it or not. I should greet uncle and auntie anyways and tell them how stupid their kid is—but he tries hard and never gives up either, so they have something to be proud of.
Chu
February 12, 20XX
Chu ge, if you happen to read this, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I just didn’t want to bother you with my problems. You have enough work as it is without having to accompany me to a graveyard, but I promise I’ll tell you next time. Mom and Dad will be so happy to meet one of my closest friends.
Guo Chang Cheng
February 22, 20XX
This journal has somehow become public property (not that I mind, thank you everyone for visiting once in a while). Yesterday, Da Qing got scolded by Chief Zhao for leaving his cat toys lying around everywhere around the office, so today the Deputy Chief refused to transform back into his human form and stayed a cat all day. I thought that some fresh fish might cheer him up, so I bought him some down at the market and gave it to him for lunch. He was really happy and curled up in my lap for the rest of the afternoon. Our Deputy Chief is so cute!
Guo Chang Cheng
March 3, 20XX
The past weeks have been incredibly busy at SID! We received a new case, and everyone worked overtime to try and solve it. Even Chief Zhao’s dad came and gave us a helping hand (although Chief Zhao told him a hundred times to go away). I guess the father-son duo has their own difficulties to deal with, but they should be grateful to have one another. I heard that Chief Zhao’s mom tragically passed away, so Dad Zhao is all that the chief has left in terms of family. Then again, Chief Zhao always tells us that we’re his people—his family—and that he doesn’t need anyone else. Still, I hope that the two can mend their relationship. Family is the most important, no matter the situation.
Guo Chang Cheng
March 14, 20XX
Xiao Guo,
I read your entries (Shen Wei told me not to, but I argued that, as your Chief, it’s my responsibility to make sure that you’re not writing bullshit) and I want to say: stop writing bullshit . Seriously, is your brain a sponge ? Why do you remember such insignificant things and forget all the important stuff like how many lollipops to keep in your pocket, or which buttons to press to really anger Lin Jing. Look, all I’m saying is to focus more on what I say because—
Xiao Guo, ignore the blabber above. Your Chief doesn’t mean half of it.
Shen Wei! Do you mind? I’m trying to teach the kid a lesson. Damn, anyway, Xiao Guo, carry on with what you’re doing (but listen to me more—the others aren’t in charge!)
Chief Zhao (and Shen Wei)
March 15, 20XX
…I don’t know what to write anymore.
Guo Chang Cheng
March 26, 20XX
Xiao Guo,
Shen Wei forced me to write another entry to make up for the last one (although it’s his fault it went south in the first place). What I’m trying to say is that you are “important to me and I care for you a lot” (Shen Wei told me to write that ). I mean, obviously everyone at SID is important, and if your uncle wants to take you away, he’ll have to go through me first. Non-SID people have no jurisdiction over how I run my office, nor on who gets to work here or not.
I chose you, so I’ll keep you.
Chief Zhao
(This was actually heartfelt. I’m proud of you, Zhao Yunlan. SW )
April 11, 20XX
I haven’t written in a while since my journal’s been highjacked, but honestly, thank you everyone. I love reading your messages. Today I told my uncle that I wouldn’t be coming home for the holidays since I have a lot of work to do at the shelter alongside my regular duties at the SID. Uncle is worried that I’m not putting my youth to good use, but I want to help people as much as I can, while I can. Who knows what will happen tomorrow… I just want to be useful today. Besides, Chu ge said he’d come with me and volunteer too, so I won’t be alone. I’m happy Chu ge wants to help the poor too. I think he understands what it’s like. I heard that the people in Dixing suffer a lot because of poverty, famine, and the lack of sunlight. That’s why Professor Shen—or rather, the Black Cloak Envoy—works so hard for his people. Both he and Chu ge understand what it’s like to suffer like that, and my heart goes out to them. I was blessed with a good family, and I never missed out on anything, so now I want to give back to the world just like Professor Shen and Chu ge.
Guo Chang Cheng
April 20, 20XX
Spring is in the air! Zhu Hong jiejie was especially happy and cheerful today since the warm weather is coming back. She hates being cold the most, so I ordered lots of blankets for her to use at her desk, and I moved the space heater closer to her. Lin ge complained that I was playing favourites with the pretty ladies in the office, but that’s not true! I just don’t want Zhu jiejie to catch a cold. Because of her nature, she is much more sensitive to the cold than the rest of us. But now I’m worried that Lin ge will feel cold too… maybe I should bring him a blanket tomorrow, too. Chu ge asked whether I was cold, and offered me his coat, but I didn’t want him to be inconvenienced because of me, so I said I was alright. Besides, by running around the office, I warm up pretty quickly. As long as everyone is comfortable and warm, I’m happy!
Guo Chang Cheng
May 16, 20XX
Xiao Guo,
Have you seen my USB key? The black one with the pink heart on it? I can’t find it and there are lots of very important files on it . If you see it, can you leave it on my desk? Thanks,
Lin Jing gege
May 17, 20XX
Xiao Guo,
Nevermind, I found it. It was in Old Zhao’s office… that bastard erased all the precious data I had collected!! All the pictures of my favourite idols… now I’ll never be able to collect all of them again. Some were super rare too… damn you Chief Zhao!!!!
Lin Jing gege who has lost all will to live
Re: Missing USB key
Lin gege, please don’t say that! Your life is so precious, much more so than a few pictures. I’m sure Chief Zhao had his reasons, but it’s true that it wasn’t very nice… I’ll help you collect your pictures again if you want, but this time keep them at home.
Guo Chang Cheng
June 14, 20XX
Well, it took us a while, but Lin gege and I managed to find all of the lost pictures, and we even found new ones too. I’ve never seen so many idol pictures in my life… Lin gege definitely has a peculiar hobby. Then again, Chu ge loves puppets, and Chief Zhao can’t go a minute without a lollipop, so I guess everyone has their quirks. As a thank you, Lin gege brought me to his lab and showed me how his machinery works. It was really interesting to see how he has been harvesting the dark energy from Dixing and experimenting with it. He also has lots of ideas on how superpowers are made in the body, and Professor Shen regularly helps him with his research. Seeing the two work together was really nice, and it felt like I was looking at a whole other world through their eyes. They’re both so passionate about their work! I hope I can find something in my life that is as cool as that.
Guo Chang Cheng
June 27, 20XX
Today was difficult for everyone at the SID because Chief Zhao and Professor Shen left on a mission and, when they came back, they were both injured and exhausted. Zhu Hong jiejie was really worried for the chief and couldn’t hide her tears, and Da Qing was clearly panicked too. Professor Shen insisted on healing Chief Zhao, but he himself was too injured to do so, so Lin gege and Chu ge convinced them both to rest in the lab and get some superficial wound treatments in the meantime. Wang jiejie asked me to watch over them while she got some medical supplies, so I stayed in the lab and made sure they were alright. It was really painful to watch them suffering, and I wish I could have done something more to help. I could see how much they worried for one another instead of their own injuries, and that really hit me. Caring for others to the point of forgetting about yourself is so selfless and beautiful. It’s no wonder their bond is so unshakable. When Wang jiejie came back, I left them alone and went to Chief Zhao’s office to cry a little bit. After my parents’ death, I didn’t think I’d ever meet people as kind as them, ever again. Then, Chief Zhao and Professor Shen came into my life, and I understood that the world is full of wonderful people. I don’t know what I would do if anything ever happened to those two…
Guo Chang Cheng
July 5, 20XX
I had the fright of my life today (well, that’s relative, really). I went to my apartment after work and sat on the couch to rest a bit before making dinner, but then the lights suddenly came on and the whole of SID was in my little living room! Chief Zhao was the first to pull me into a hug, laughing in my ear and saying: “happy birthday, Xiao Guo!” and the others soon followed suit. He explained that they had been planning this for a while and had wanted to surprise me. Was I ever surprised! I nearly got my weapon out for self-defence! Chu ge cuffed me on the head when I said I almost electrocuted everyone, saying that I’m silly for being such a scaredy-cat. Zhu jiejie brought a cake, and Da Qing even gave me his favourite mouse as a gift. It was so nice to have my friends there. After we had cake, everyone gathered in small groups here and there and chatted happily about this and that. This was definitely the best birthday I’ve ever had. I never had many friends before, but now things have changed, and I couldn’t be any happier.
Thank you, everyone!
Guo Chang Cheng
July 6, 20XX
Hey kid, I’m glad you liked your party, but I’m going to have to deduct the cost from your salary.
Chief Zhao
What he means is: happy birthday again, and you’re more than welcome for the party. Enjoy the rest of the cake (Zhao Yunlan, I swear, if you don’t start being honest, Xiao Guo is going to misunderstand you).
Shen Wei
August 7, 20XX
Hey Xiao Guo!
Now that you’ve been with us for more than a year, I hope you’re doing well and feel at home in our little family. Sorry for Old Zhao’s bad attitude half the time, and for Old Chu’s constant complaining. They’re both idiots, but they care about everyone in their own ways. Anyway, if you have any problems, don’t forget that you have two cool sisters who will stand with you! If ever Old Chu hits you too hard, or if Old Zhao shouts too much, just come and see us and we’ll sort them out. Take care little Cheng Cheng!
Wang Zheng & Zhu Hong
August 30, 20XX
I can’t believe it’s been more than a year… it feels like only yesterday when I came to the office on a recommendation and met Chief Zhao for the first time. Back then I was so afraid of everyone (I mean, ghosts are still scary and all, but these guys aren’t scary in the slightest). I learned so much from my friends—no, my family—that now I know I’m not alone anymore. I know that Chu ge will always protect me, that Professor Shen will always smile gently, that Chief Zhao will watch out for me, that Zhu jie, Wang jie, Lin ge, and Sang ge will always be there to cheer me on, and that Da Qing will gladly curl up on my lap whenever I want.
To Mom and Dad up in heaven: don’t be afraid, there are people here who care for me, and I for them.
To uncle and auntie: I’m living the happiest time of my life right now. Please don’t worry for me; there’s nowhere else in the world I’d rather be than right here.
To the whole of SID: thank you for being there, and thank you for allowing me to stay with you. I know I make a lot of mistakes, but I promise I’ll try hard and make you proud of working with me.
Here’s to many more years to come!
Guo Chang Cheng